Bede Academy
113%
Capacity
2,012
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Bede Academy
Bede Academy is a state-funded Christian secondary school serving the Northumberland community, welcoming children from age 3 to 18. The school has 2,012 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (113% of 1,780 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Bede Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Andrew Thelwell, it falls under Northumberland local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.10 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1765th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 16 in Northumberland.
Bede Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 206 applications for 129 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 152 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bede Academy include Library, Swimming Pool, Theatre, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Tennis Courts, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Martial Arts, Rugby, Cross Country and 5 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Young Enterprise, Book Club, Eco Club and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 24.0%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Northumberland, Bede Academy is one of the options available in the North East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Christian |
| Address | Sixth Avenue, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2SY |
| Headteacher | Andrew Thelwell |
| Local Authority | Northumberland |
| Number of Pupils | 2,012 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 24.0% |
| School Capacity | 2,012 / 1,780 (113% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
30 Apr 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 30 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.10)
1765th of 3,141
Nationally
56th of 142
In North East
6th of 16
In Northumberland
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
34.0
'22/23
27.9
'23/24
29.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed129
206
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
152 families put this school as their 1st choice (74% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bede Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Sixth Avenue, Blyth
Northumberland, NE24 2SY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
